NFL Writer Names Ex-Patriots QB Offseason’s Best Offensive Acquisition

The San Francisco 49ers signed former New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones to a two-year, $8.41 million deal last offseason.

San Francisco likely didn’t expect Jones to have a significant impact on the season, considering Brock Purdy is the starting quarterback for the 49ers. However, everything changed when Purdy was injured.

Jones appeared in 11 games, starting eight, finishing with a total of 2,151 passing yards and 13 touchdowns.

Jones played a key role in supporting the 49ers, even in Purdy’s absence. CBS Sports’ Joel Corry recognized him as the top offensive signing of the offseason.

“The 49ers’ decision to give Mac Jones a two-year, $8.41 million contract worth a maximum of $12.91 million through incentives to back up Brock Purdy was viewed as little more than a blip on the NFL radar when he signed last March,” Corry wrote on Friday. “Jones proved far more valuable than expected, keeping San Francisco afloat during the eight games Purdy missed with a turf toe injury.

“The 49ers won five of the eight games Jones started. He completed 69.6% of his passes (201 of 289) for 2,151 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions, posting a 97.4 passer rating over that stretch.”

Given that Jones is under contract for another season and several teams need quarterbacks, he could be a solid trade option. The 49ers might be able to secure a second or third-round pick in return.